How We Built SafariBookers Across Web, iOS, Android and Backend
Explore how TheFoxLab developed SafariBookers with a custom website, Android and iOS apps, APIs and backend for a scalable travel booking platform.
Dual-Store Mobile & Web Platform Built in 4 Months
Developing an ambitious multi-platform product requires rapid, disciplined execution. Built for SafariBookers, TheFoxLab engineered a high-performance hybrid mobile app, conversion-focused React landing page, secure REST API, and activity-tracked administrative backend from concept to both app stores in four months.
4 Months
Start to Stores
3 Phases
Planned Delivery
6 Versions
App Releases
2 Stores
iOS and Android
Mirada Group Partnership
SafariBookers is one of several digital travel platforms engineered in collaboration with Mirada Group, combining scalable web, mobile, and API architectures.
Mirada Group required an integrated reservation engine and interactive itinerary builder offering live availability for international travellers.
TheFoxLab engineered the entire technical stack within 4 months, maintaining ongoing performance enhancements and platform releases.
Three-Stage Iterative Delivery
We phased engineering into three sequential milestones to de-risk delivery and validate user engagement at each stage.
Web App, Live Fast
Launched the core web app at app.safaribookers.com with a working safari request flow, user accounts, messaging, and backend. A functional product in the hands of real users as quickly as possible.
Landing Page & SEO
Built safaribookers.com as a public-facing React landing page with SEO structure, clear messaging, and a conversion path aimed at UK travellers actively searching for African safari experiences.
Full Redesign & Store Launch
Complete UI overhaul to meet current mobile design standards. Released on Android and iOS across six version iterations from v1.0.0 to v3.0.5, creating the most polished version of the product.
Four-Month Accelerated Build Cycle
From project kick-off to dual-store approval: milestone breakdown across the four-month delivery.
Phase 1: Web App Foundation
Core Ionic + Angular app scaffolded. API layer built in CodeIgniter 4. Safari request flow, accounts, messaging, and meeting booking all wired up. First working version deployed to app.safaribookers.com. Android v1.0.0 submitted to the Play Store.
Phase 2: Landing Page & SEO
Safaribookers.com built in React. SEO structure defined and implemented. Public-facing content written and optimised for UK travellers searching for African safari experiences. Android v2.0.0 released with additional features.
iOS Review & Redesign
Apple flagged design and UX standards that required enhancement. This provided the opportunity for a full UI redesign that produced the current, polished mobile experience.
v3.0.5 Live on Both Stores
UI rebuilt from the ground up to meet current mobile design standards. iOS resubmitted and approved first time. Android updated in parallel. Both stores live as of 22 May 2026.
App Store Review & UI Modernization
When v2.0.0 of the SafariBookers iOS app reached Apple review, stringent ecosystem UI benchmarks prompted a comprehensive design overhaul.
While the core backend logic performed flawlessly, Apple required native-calibre polish. Rather than applying superficial patches, we rebuilt the frontend interface entirely.
Version 3.0.5 passed review first time, establishing a durable design foundation for all subsequent app iterations.
v1.0.0
Initial release across Android and iOS with core booking flows live.
v2.0.0
Feature complete. Apple review flagged UX standards requiring design overhaul.
v3.0.5 — Current
Full UI redesign built from the ground up. Approved on both stores first time.
Full-Stack Architecture & Integrations
A hybrid app is only as strong as the system behind it. SafariBookers is powered by a connected stack across the mobile app, REST API, backend, and landing page.
Hybrid Mobile App
Built with Ionic + Capacitor + Angular. One shared codebase delivers a native-quality experience on web, Android, and iOS.
REST API Layer
Built in CodeIgniter 4. The lead submission form and contact endpoints are rate-limited, validated, and locked down to prevent spam.
Backend & Admin
Built in CodeIgniter 4 with full user activity tracking. The business has complete visibility into user flow and request follow-ups.
React Landing Page
Built in React. The public-facing site is structured for SEO from the ground up, targeting UK travellers actively searching for safari experiences.
Lessons From Rapid Product Delivery
SafariBookers demonstrates an agile product blueprint applicable across modern digital service platforms.
Ship Early
Phase 1 was basic by design. Real users on a working product teach you more in two weeks than six months of internal planning.
High Design Standard
Apple's rejection of v2.0.0 produced a better product. Build with that bar in mind from the start and you will save the redesign.
Strategic SEO
The React site at safaribookers.com was built for SEO and conversion from day one, not treated as a marketing afterthought.
4 Months Delivery
A web app, landing page, API, backend, Android app, and iOS app from blank screen to both stores in 4 months.
SafariBookers
Explore the completed project deliverables, live screenshots, and technical overview in our portfolio showcase.
Learn More About This Project →Looking to Build Something Similar?
Explore our core engineering capabilities and discover how our services deliver end-to-end technical solutions:
Ready to build your web or mobile application?
Talk directly to our development team about architecture, timelines and realistic estimates for your platform — no sales pressure.
Related Case Studies
Case Study Student Accommodation Maynooth Management Platform
See how TheFoxLab developed a bespoke Student Accommodation Maynooth platform for onboarding, accommodation management, payments, accounting, communication and reporting.
View Details Case Study Ace Beauty Group Bespoke ERP Platform
See how TheFoxLab built STK, a bespoke ERP platform for Ace Beauty Group to centralise inventory, suppliers, warehouse workflows and marketplace integrations.
View Details Case Study How We Built Safarizine | Safari Lodge Booking Platform
Discover how TheFoxLab built Safarizine, a luxury safari lodge booking platform with custom CMS, availability management and a seamless booking experience.
View Details